Cupertino: McClellan Ranch animals under quarantine for mouth sores

(photo Jacqueline Ramseyer/SVCN/November 27, 2013)
Caroline (last name not given), 10, stands outside of the Rolling-Hills 4-H Ranch, located within McClellan Ranch Park in Cupertino on November 27. In a proactive move, the Ranch has been closed to visitors due to an outbreak of Active Soremouth among the animals. The animals have all been vaccinated against the outbreak and the quarantine will be lifted on Christmas Day.

Some of the livestock at McClellan Ranch Preserve in Cupertino is under quarantine after the discovery of active sore mouth, also known as the orf virus.

Sheep and goats are hanging out in the park barn until the pox-like virus subsides. A veterinarian and members of the Rolling Hills of Cupertino 4-H Club were on site last week tending to the animals.

"It is something that mainly gets sheep and goats where they usually get sores around their mouth," said Barbara Banfield, the city's naturalist.

The sores were discovered on the lower jaw on one of the pack goats last week.

Early infection will see sores appear as blisters and then become crusty scabs, which are typically found around the lips, muzzle and in the mouth. Sheep and goats can also get the sores or scabs on the lower leg and teats, especially when nursing infected lambs or kids, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The animals received vaccinations the week of Thanksgiving as a precaution. The animals typically recover completely from the infections in about a month, according to the CDC.

Sore mouth is not airborne. Humans can become infected with the virus; however, it requires direct contact with an infected animal or equipment that has been rubbed by the infected animal's sores or saliva, according to Banfield.

Advertisement

"An infected person can not affect another person," she said. "People can get it, but it's not very common."

The disease does not pose a serious health risk. Infection in humans usually shows up as sores on the hands and can last up to two months. All those entering the pens are wearing gloves, long sleeves, long pants and boots.

Signs were also placed on barns and nearby dumpsters warning that material from the pens could contain the virus. Gardeners are also not reusing animal bedding for compost.